Lawrence Hancock, a mathematics specialist in Marquette's Educational Opportunity Program, died Thursday of natural causes.

Hancock, 48, died at approximately 6 p.m. near Canal Street and Emmber Lane of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office.

Hancock had worked at Marquette for 20 years teaching math courses to first-generation college students through EOP, said program director Sande Robinson.

"He was absolutely committed to it and enjoyed all of the teaching," Robinson said. "He was always the first one here in the morning."

Robinson said Hancock's colleagues and students will greatly miss his kind and personable character.

"He had one of those personalities that you just don't meet that often," she said. "People gravitated toward him."

Raquel Roque, a freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences, was one of Hancock's students. She said he was a helpful and patient educator who showed great dedication to his profession.

"He was always there for his students," Roque said. "He really cared."

The university released a statement about Hancock's death, stating, "We express our sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Hancock family and all those whose lives were touched by him. Lawrence, who was fondly called 'Unk' by those who knew him best at Marquette, was an important member of the university family…The Hancock family and those who knew Lawrence are in our thoughts and prayers."

In addition to tutoring at Marquette, Hancock was also a jazz aficionado and musician, Robinson said. Under the on-air name "Uncle Larry," Hancock hosted a radio program in Madison for about 20 years.

"Larry brought a lot of things to the program," said Norman Stockwell, operations coordinator for WORT community radio. "He had a wonderful personality, a sense of humor, a dedication to the music and a vast knowledge of jazz. He will be greatly missed."

Hancock is survived by his wife Mari and sons Randy and Isaiah.

A memorial service for Hancock will be held Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Family.